MAA Mathfest 2025 Three Dimensions of an Apprentice's Learning by Aris Winger

ariswinger — 2025-08-05 18:48:56 UTC

2025-08-07 16:09:45 UTC

In general, I think sharing our experiences with struggling with these things makes mentees feel safe to share their struggles.

What aspects of learning in your courses have been challenging to you this week?

2025-08-07 16:10:29 UTC

How are you studying?

2025-08-07 16:11:19 UTC

2025-08-07 16:11:39 UTC

Why do you want to do/be X? What are your goals/motivations?

2025-08-07 16:11:44 UTC

What aspects of teaching are taking the most of your time and energy right now?

In what ways have you connected to other people in your classes?

2025-08-07 16:11:53 UTC

Do you have a group of peers to work with

2025-08-07 16:11:58 UTC

2025-08-07 16:12:04 UTC

How prepared do you feel to start teaching your classes in Fall?

2025-08-07 16:12:14 UTC

Have you found yourself in situations where you weren't sure what the "right" thing to do was? What were they?

2025-08-07 16:12:17 UTC

Asking questions about past experiences or organic mentoring relationships relative to math

2025-08-07 16:12:19 UTC

What is your background understanding and what can I as your mentor help you to add to that and fill in gaps or address things you need to know.

Imposter syndrome and confidence

2025-08-07 16:12:30 UTC

I talk with my mentees about having confidence in their abilities, and how to get through a confidence-low without feeling like you should give up. How to maintain a sense of belonging which will get you through that low. This is something I’ve struggled with a LOT and worked on with my mentors.

2025-08-07 16:13:08 UTC

What sources do you use when you are looking for inspiration or strategies for teaching?

2025-08-07 16:13:15 UTC

Do you feel at home in your new work group?

Discussing study habits, finding out together if there are more effective ways in which they can use their study time.

2025-08-07 16:13:48 UTC

2025-08-07 16:13:55 UTC

How can you model successful failure for your students?

What are your safe spaces on campus?

2025-08-07 16:13:59 UTC

2025-08-07 16:14:06 UTC

I think what I’m getting from this is that it’s often hard to divide knowledge/skills/identity, and getting to know a person and their needs holistically is crucial.

Helping them build their network

2025-08-07 16:14:20 UTC

2025-08-07 16:14:24 UTC

What is your thoughts about how the event will be organized?

2025-08-07 16:14:28 UTC

Asking clarifying questions beyond what classes they have taken previously - what was fun? Hard?

2025-08-07 16:14:53 UTC

How can I help you better

2025-08-07 16:14:55 UTC

What are you proud of what aspects of of your work this week do you want to celebrate

2025-08-07 16:15:51 UTC

Does this role feel natural to you? If not, what aspect is the most uncomfortable? How do you imagine you can manage that?

2025-08-07 16:15:58 UTC

Detaching numbers like grades from who mentees are

Of all the people, why did you choose me to be your mentor

2025-08-07 16:17:47 UTC

What else do you need when you are choosing a place to go next?

2025-08-07 16:21:10 UTC

2025-08-07 16:24:52 UTC

Let’s revisit your goals and priorities? Have they changed?